Well, this was it. New Year's Eve 1999, hoping to ring in 2000 with no major catastrophes. As we got ready, we watched all the New Year's celebrations across the world (Paris, London, New York, Chicago...). It was slowly approaching US. Before the night began, we did a champagne toast in our hotel room. After we all finally got ready (we wanted to all look special!), we headed to downtown Phoenix. It was a cold, clear night and the traffic was light. Once we got to downtown, we parked a couple blocks away and walked towards the square where we could see the "Phoenix 2000" sign that they were going to drop at midnight.

We could hear the Gin Blossoms playing "Follow You Down" as we bought our tickets to get in ($10) (WRISTBAND #1). Once in, we had to stand in another line to get a wristband that indicated we were of age to drink by showing our IDs (WRISTBAND #2). Then, we had to stand in another line to buy tickets to redeem for beer (~$5 per beer). THEN, we had to stand in another line to get the beer. Badly organized if you ask me. After all that, we were ready to enjoy ourselves. We kind of wandered around for a little while, and listened to the Gin Blossoms set. It wasn't too crowded, but we were kind of dissappointed that there weren't too many people our age, it was mostly families and high school kids. We attempted to go into a bar, but it was another $15 cover charge, so we just continued to walk around.

Shortly before midnight, two of us started talking to a guy that was inside a fenced area in the center of the Celebration. He said he could get us in this "VIP section" where they had an open bar and HEATERS. We were excited! So, he let us in (WRISTBAND #3) and we got free drinks and toasted the New Year with the best-tasting champagne (which we've looked everywhere for and haven't been able to find). At midnight, the "Phoenix 2000" sign dropped and IT WAS 2000!!

We stayed there for another hour or so and befriended some VERY interesting people. We also called our friends in CA as their midnight approached. Phoenix Celebration wasn't all that we expected, but as long as we are together, we are having fun!